10 Healthy Habits For Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing French Door Glass
It is fairly simple to replace a broken glass pane inside the French Door. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim, then installing a new pane of glass is all that's required.
French doors feature multiple glass panes separated by muntin bars that are functional which are also referred to as Mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can also include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce sound and control the glare.
How do you replace a broken pane of glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles before you begin to replace the glass. This will shield you from any broken glass shards that could fall during the process. Work in an open space, such as a garage and keep children away. It's best to remove the window frame from the sill to allow better accessibility and maneuverability however, you can replace a pane without taking the entire window out of the frame.
Begin by scraping away any old glazing compound or caulking around the edge of the sash using a putty knife. You don't want to damage the wood molding holding the window in place. It will be needed to hold the new window.
If you're working with a steel-casement windows The window may be held in place with metal glazing points. These points, along with the old putty, have to be removed prior to you can remove the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or chisel should work, but if you find that the putty is too difficult to remove, gradually soften it with a heat gun. Keep the heat gun approximately an inch from the glass and move it back and forth to distribute the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil and then place it on the adjacent panes. This will prevent them from breaking due to the heat.
After removing the old glass, take a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the window sash to remove any dirt or dust. Now you can install a new piece glass.
To cut a glass piece to size, first measure the width and height of the opening. Record these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from all sides to create a new piece that fits easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you if you supply the measurement.
Warm up a handful of putty and then roll it into a 3/4-inch thick rope. Place the putty along the edge of the exposed rabbet. Place the blade of your putty-knife at a 45 degree angle against the frame rabbet. The knife should be pulled along the edge of the glass in a smooth, straight line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat the process with the remaining edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.
Take the broken Pane
A broken glass pane in the French door isn't just a source of irritation for the eye it's also a danger to safety. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door can be done in a few simple steps and is usually much less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete this work themselves, however professional assistance is available in the event that the project requires specialized skills or tools.
Begin by getting rid of any cracked or broken pieces of the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves to stop glass shards from getting into your eyes or onto your face. Then, clean the glass opening to remove any caulking or putty that was used to keep the previous pane in place.
Next, you need to remove any molding or trim that was holding the pane of glass in place. This isn't easy since it could require some prying to break the molding loose. Wearing protective equipment and having a person help you with the prying is an ideal idea. It is also an excellent idea to mark the pieces you're taking off, so you can return them to their place at the right time.
Once the molding has been removed and the molding is removed, you can begin putting in the new pane of glass. Visit a glass shop and take measurements of the opening of the glass. It is a good idea to buy a piece made of safety glass since it will not break as easily should your French doors break again.
When you are ready to install the glass in the opening, make sure that it is placed correctly. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone caulk to the edges of the glass.
After the caulk has dried it is possible to replace the molding. If the nails that were used originally did not pull through the molding, you can hammer in new wire nails to fill the holes left behind by the old ones. The holes should be predrilled to prevent the nails from splitting through the molding. You can make holes with very thin bits from the hardware store that is well-stocked.
How to cut a new Pane Of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and the edges prior to ordering an additional pane. If you see any gaps, you may have to adjust the spring clips or triangles that hold the glass in place. It is also important to ensure that your new pane is appropriate for the opening. If it's too large there could be leaks or other issues.
The first step is to create the work surface. Using a putty knife, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame. This will expose bare wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth using a knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from wood, which will reduce its life span.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead some putty until it's soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer of it using the putty blade to the inside corners of the rabbets to create a narrow bed against which the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
After the putty is dry and the putty is removed, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the grooves in the sash. Before attempting to remove them, you should wear goggles that are safe to protect yourself from glass shattering. A heat gun set to an low setting can help you to warm and loosen the metal, to allow you to bend it away from the frame using pliers.
Once the glass and frame are set, test the frame by sliding it into its place. Make any necessary adjustments prior to fixing it with spring clips or steel triangles. Make sure Repair My Windows And Doors between the frame and the glass is uniform across all sides. Check the movement of the window sash, and make sure the new pane does not hinder the closing or opening. If you find any problems regarding the installation, consult a professional specializing in restoration to help you repair and preserve your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before you install the new glass, you should test-fit it to make sure it fits properly. Measure the height and width of the window opening by measuring to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to determine the size of glass you need to order. By slightly undersizing the glass, you will allow it to be installed more easily and provide room for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. Take your measurements to a hardware store or home center, and let them cut a piece of glass for you. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if you happen to have a large sheet of glass in stock.
After removing the old glass pane and cleaning the window sash grooves. Remove any metal glazing points used to hold the previous pane. This can be accomplished using an e-type paint scraper or a chipper. If the grooves are stuffed full of hardened putty, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Cover the moldings and windows with aluminum foil in order to protect them from heat.
It is also possible to use an exterior primer to prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils. You should also clean the sash to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Press a small amount into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. At this point, the neatness is not important. Press the new pane into the rabbets, then move it around and apply a consistent pressure using your fingers to ensure it's properly seated.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fixing mechanisms, such as L channels, make use of the hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have become loose in the removal of the frame. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk over the bottom of the frame where it connects to the floor to keep water and pests out of the house.